Capers face St. Francis Xavier in hoops home opener

SYDNEY — The Cape Breton University Capers men’s basketball team came away with a convincing 93-55 win over the host St. Francis Xavier X-Men at the St. FX Invitational Tournament at the Oland Centre in Antigonish on Oct. 27.

Fifth-year guard Jimmy Dorsey, right, leads the Cape Breton University Capers against the St. Francis Xavier X-Men tonight at the Sullivan Field House. The two rivals hit the court for the men’s game at 8 p.m., following the women’s tilt at 6 p.m. Vaughan Merchant - Cape Breton University

However, don’t expect the same one-sided contest when the two teams meet tonight at the Sullivan Field House. The X-Men played the game without starters Tyrell Vernon and Terry Thomas.

Fifth-year Capers guard Jimmy Dorsey says he expects the X-Men will be back with more intensity.

“Regardless if they had those guys or not, any team losing to a team by 40 would piss you off, so I’m sure these guys are going to pick it up and they’ll remember it,” he said. “They’re not going to let us win easily this time. We’re going to prepare for the fight and prepare for a good one and play our game.”

Dorsey and the Capers jumped out to 2-0 start to the regular season after sweeping the Memorial Sea-Hawks last weekend in St. John’s, N.L. Being the lone fifth-year player on the court with seven new players on the roster has seen his leadership role change.

“The coach has always been telling me to be more of a vocal leader,” he said. “I always was the type of guy who led the team by my play, but this year being the only fifth-year guy and really knowing the ropes around here, they’re making sure I’m more vocal with them and making sure I’m a good leader and showing them the right things to do and what not to do.

“It’s been a little weird transition for me because I’m not used to talking and being that guy, but I take all the challenges. I’m willing to do whatever the team needs to win.”

Capers rookie head coach Matt Skinn said he’s happy with how his club has gelled early on. The CBU men are ranked No. 6 in the country in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport top 10 weekly rankings.

“I think we’re doing a good job of following the leaders on the team,” he said. “Jimmy Dorsey, I can’t really put into words what he’s meant to us so far and not just with his play, just overall. His behaviour on and off the court, what he’s doing, how he’s leading the team as our lone fifth-year is more than I could ask for. We also have Sean McCormick, who’s come in from Alberta and has stepped in as a leader.”

The Capers women came away with a split in their series with the Sea-Hawks over the weekend and face an X-Women team with plenty of weapons in their arsenal. Forward Lia St. Pierre and post player Kolbi Roper are two of the team’s top guns on their roster early this season.

“We played them in the pre-season and it wasn’t just those two you have to shut down,” said Capers head coach Fabian McKenzie. “Kolbi is a big, inside presence and Lia is very good on the perimeter, but they have other players there that can really play.”

The Capers women used a balanced attack against Memorial last weekend, but a constant was the play of veteran guard Tanira McClurkin. She’s averaging 16 points per game heading into tonight’s contest.

“(McClurkin) has been fantastic,” said McKenzie. “She’s a team captain this year and has really worked hard on her leadership. She’s really been getting after the young girls, teaching them and helping them along.”

The X-Women have some Cape Breton content on their roster as well. Their team includes guard Jocelyn Moore of Florence, a Memorial High School grad, and rookie post Kayla MacIntyre of Sydney, a product of Riverview High School. Former Capers forward Kayla McCarron of Sydney is a transfer and is currently red shirting with the X-Women.

Tonight’s action gets underway at 6 p.m. with the women’s game and 8 p.m. for the men’s contest.

Fifth-year guard Jimmy Dorsey, right, leads the Cape Breton University Capers against the St. Francis Xavier X-Men tonight at the Sullivan Field House. The two rivals hit the court for the men’s game at 8 p.m., following the women’s tilt at 6 p.m. Vaughan Merchant - Cape Breton University